From its foundation in 1768 the Royal Academy of Arts has provided a voice for art and artists. We are an independent charity led by eminent artists and architects—the Royal Academicians—and we pursue our mission through exhibitions, education and debate.

Opening the Summer Exhibition in style

Opening the Summer Exhibition in style

By Amy Macpherson

Published 6 June 2014

The Summer Exhibition Preview Party is one of the most glamorous events in the London calendar - and a major fundraiser for the RA.

The event marks the official opening of the Summer Exhibition and guests have the opportunity to preview and purchase the works on show before the official buyers’ day.

Always a star-studded affair, this year guests included Joely Richardson, Liberty Ross, Jaime Winstone, Henry Holland and Emilia Fox, who rubbed shoulders with Royal Academicians such as Grayson Perry, Tracey Emin and Yinka Shonibare in the RA’s main galleries.

The Kaiser Chiefs closed the evening with an exclusive open-air performance in the Courtyard.

Video

Video: Summer Exhibition Preview Party 2014

Preparing for the party.

Photo: www.red-photographic.com.

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Tasty treats in the galleries as the party gets underway.

Photo: www.red-photographic.com.

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Actor Joely Richardson admires the work on show.

Photo: www.red-photographic.com.

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Guests including Grayson Perry RA mingle in the galleries.

Photo: www.red-photographic.com.

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Guests including TV presenter and writer Alexa Chung gather in the Courtyard.

Photo: www.red-photographic.com.

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Model David Gandy and Tracey Emin RA in the galleries.

Photo: Darren Gerrish.

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BBC R1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and Model Daisy Lowe.

Photo: Darren Gerrish.

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As the party draws to a close, headliners Kaiser Chiefs perform in the Courtyard.

Piccadilly site

Burlington Gardens site

A voice for art and artists since 1768

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